I think I have a little hoarder in me…

Ever collect something, because of sentiment, memory, or fixation only to find the multitudes of things in a box stowed away never to be seen? Why do I have this box of stuff?

Giving purpose for a collection by displaying it. It’s about celebration and enjoyment of all things precious to you, for all the many reasons to collect, and I have one less box.

Visiting the PEZ Museum in Orange, CT one weekend with an already substantial Pez collection inspired the displays.

To preserve the dispensers, fabrication of zinc “U” channel tracts and sheet metal base were constructed to hold the Pez. The “U” channel tract shelves trap the dispensers feet, but also allow them to slide across the shelf for positioning.

UV glass used for archival intent.

Restaurants, and other businesses at one time offered complimentary MATCHBOOKS.

I don't smoke, but it was a nifty calling card to remember an establishment. My wife and I started acquiring the books when we first started dating.

UV glass used for archival intent.

In grade school, I brought my peanut butter sandwich every day to school in an awesome metal Muppet LUNCHBOX. It had Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, Miss. Piggy. Fozzie Bear and of course Kermit. It's what I was interested in at the time.

The collection began with our fond memories from old shows, movies or bands. As the collection grew we would take advantage of staircase wall locations with the use of floating shelves. The shelves are beveled to give more focus to the boxes. With each move we would reconfigure the placement. Which meant that each new configuration, needed to be filled with additional boxes. It’s insanity!

Visiting Rhode Island Antiques store, to find parts and things I really didn't need. A booth would catch my eye, it had a framed image of 1950s YO-YO champion Larry Sayegh having a blast throwing yo-yos with a flat display box. I must have seen Larry a bunch of times before making the purchase and bringing Larry home.

This photo and box inspired me to research and hunt down Sayco yo-yos to complete Larry’s story. I discovered that we would drive unknowingly past his house, where he built the yo-yos. Local lore would also reveal that he entertained and had a toy shop in Pawtucket that kids would frequent and learn how to do tricks.

UV glass used for archival intent.